How does Hebrews 5:5 deepen our appreciation for Jesus' role in salvation? “So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him, ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’ ” The Setting of Hebrews 5:5 • The writer has just highlighted human high priests (vv. 1-4) who are appointed by God, act on behalf of people, and sympathize with weakness. • Verse 5 turns our gaze to Jesus, showing how His priesthood both aligns with and surpasses that pattern. The Divine Appointment of Jesus as High Priest • “Did not take upon Himself the glory” — Jesus did not seize the office; He received it. • “He was called by the One” — The Father’s authoritative commissioning guarantees the legitimacy and permanence of Christ’s priesthood. • Connection: Hebrews 7:21 cites Psalm 110:4, underscoring that the oath of God secures an unchangeable priesthood. • Implication: Our salvation rests on God’s own initiative, not human ambition. The Royal Son and Messianic Fulfillment • Quotation echoes Psalm 2:7 — a coronation psalm announcing the divine Son-King. • By merging Psalm 2 (kingship) with Psalm 110 (priesthood), Hebrews presents Jesus as both King and Priest. • Fulfillment snapshot: – Psalm 2: “You are My Son” → Jesus’ royal identity. – Psalm 110:4: “You are a priest forever” → Jesus’ eternal priestly ministry. • Salvation angle: Only someone who is simultaneously royal (authority) and priestly (atonement) can secure and apply redemption. Jesus’ Obedient Humility • He “did not take” the glory — unlike earthly figures who grasp power (cf. John 6:15). • Philippians 2:6-8 parallels this humility: equality with God yet emptying Himself, obedient to death. • Result: His humility validates His atoning work; the One who offered Himself did so in perfect submission, qualifying Him to represent us. What This Means for Our Salvation • Certainty — The Father’s appointment means the Son’s sacrifice cannot fail (John 6:37-40). • Accessibility — Hebrews 4:14-16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace” because our High Priest is enthroned by divine decree. • Permanence — Hebrews 7:25: “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him,” grounded in His perpetual priesthood. • Mediation — 1 Timothy 2:5: “One God and one Mediator … the man Christ Jesus.” His God-given role bridges heaven and earth. Responding with Confidence and Worship • Stand firm: Our faith rests on God’s unbreakable word, not human systems. • Draw near: Because the appointed High Priest intercedes, we may approach without fear. • Exalt Christ: Praise Him as the divinely commissioned Son-King-Priest whose humble obedience secures eternal salvation. |
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